Can you refrigerate and reuse breast milk?

Can You Refrigerate and Reuse Breast Milk?
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of nurturing infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies needed for healthy growth. However, many parents find themselves wondering about the proper handling and storage of breast milk, particularly regarding refrigeration and reuse. This article aims to clarify the best practices for refrigerating and reusing breast milk, ensuring that both mother and baby are safe and healthy.
The Basics of Breast Milk Storage
Breast milk can be stored safely in several ways, but the method chosen is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re considering longer storage, breast milk can be frozen for 6 months in a standard freezer or up to 12 months in a deep freezer, though the quality may diminish over time.
Refrigerating Breast Milk
When it comes to refrigerating breast milk, there are clear guidelines:
– Storage Containers: Use clean, food-grade containers or breast milk storage bags. Glass or hard plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal, as they minimize exposure to air and potential contamination.

– Temperature: The refrigerator should be set at or below 4°C (39°F). It’s advisable to store breast milk in the back of the refrigerator, where the temperature is most consistent, rather than in the door, which is subject to fluctuations.
– Labeling: Always label containers with the date and time the milk was expressed. This practice helps ensure that you use the oldest milk first, thereby reducing waste.
Reusing Refrigerated Breast Milk
Once breast milk has been refrigerated, it can be reused, but there are specific guidelines to follow:
– Thawing: If the breast milk has been frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water. Avoid using a microwave, as this can create hot spots and destroy beneficial nutrients.
– Gentle Handling: After thawing, gently swirl the breast milk to mix any separated fat. Do not shake it vigorously, as this can damage the milk’s proteins.
– Use Within 24 Hours: Once breast milk has been thawed, it should be consumed within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator. Do not refreeze thawed breast milk, as this can compromise its quality and safety.
Safety Considerations
When it comes to reusing refrigerated breast milk, safety is paramount:
– Signs of Spoilage: Always check for any unusual odor or separation that might indicate spoilage. If there is any doubt about the milk’s freshness, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
– Avoiding Contamination: Ensure that all equipment used for expressing, storing, and feeding breast milk is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. This minimizes the risk of contamination and maintains the milk’s integrity.
Conclusion
In summary, refrigerating and reusing breast milk is safe when proper guidelines are followed. By understanding the correct storage methods, safe handling practices, and adhering to recommended timelines for use, parents can ensure that their infants receive the best nutrition possible. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

How long is breast milk good for once pulled from the fridge?

At room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. In the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In the freezer for about 6 months is best; up to 12 months is acceptable.

Can I put a half-finished bottle back in the fridge?

In short, no. It’s best not to keep part of a bottle for later. Health Canada recommends using a bottle within two hours of starting a feed. If your baby doesn’t finish all of their feed, throw away the rest.

Can you put milk back in the fridge after sitting out?

Food can hang out in this zone for a bit, but after two hours, the risk of potentially harmful bacteria is significant. The clock rolls back to just one hour if the ambient temperature in the room is at 90 degrees F or higher — all to say, it’s imperative to get that milk back in the fridge as soon as possible.

What can I do with breast milk my baby doesn’t finish?

If your baby did not finish the bottle, leftover milk should be used within 2 hours. Wash disassembled pump and feeding parts in a clean basin with soap and water. Do not wash directly in the sink because the germs in the sink could contaminate items. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Can I pump into the same bottle all day?

Milk stays good for 4 hours if you leave it at room temperature after pumping. So, you can pump into the same bottle within the 4 hours timeframe. Once the 4-hour timeframe has elapsed, you can either give the milk to your baby or store it in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

How many times can you refrigerate and reheat breast milk?

Breast milk that has been refrigerated or frozen can only be heated once. Never reheat breast milk as this accumulates bacteria the more it is exposed to warmer temperatures. Breast milk that has been heated or brought to room temperature needs to be consumed within 2 hours.

Can I put breast milk back in the fridge after baby drinks from it?

Any remaining breast milk left in a bottle after your baby is finished with a feeding should be used within 2 hours—or, if quickly refrigerated, used for the next feeding. You can always thaw an extra container if needed. Refrigerate or chill milk right after it is expressed.

Can I take breast milk out of the fridge and put it back?

Don’t put leftover breast milk back in the fridge to use later or refreeze it. It’s important to follow safety guidelines for breast milk because bacteria can grow in it if you leave it out for too long.

Can I use leftover breast milk for next feeding?

Leftover breast milk can still be used within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be thrown away. To avoid wasting unfed milk, consider storing, thawing, and warming it in smaller amounts. See Breast Milk Storage and Preparation for more information.

Can you reuse breast milk that baby didn’t finish?

There isn’t any conclusive evidence on whether or not this is safe, but some experts (and lots of moms) say it’s okay to stick an unfinished bottle back in the fridge to reheat and reuse at the next feeding. (If baby doesn’t drink it all at the next feeding, toss it.)